CPS investigated family for allegations of violence

Published 7:00 pm, Friday, March 21, 2008

The family of a child who may have been fatally crushed by an obese relative was investigated five times by Child Protective Services for allegations including physical violence and neglect, officials said.

"Whenever we have investigated, the mother has always cooperated with case workers," Lennan told The Monitor in McAllen. "And just because someone has had cases called does not necessarily mean there is abuse going on."

Justice of the Peace Bobby Contreras, who pronounced Eliseo Gonzalez Jr. dead Tuesday night, said he believes an 800-pound aunt fell on her nephew.

But Sheriff Lupe Trevino, who has described Eliseo's death as "suspicious," did not rule out foul play and said charges of homicide, manslaughter or child endangerment could be filed, pending autopsy results due out Monday.

Family members declined to comment on Eliseo's death.

Eliseo's siblings, 1-year-old twins and a 5-year-old, are in the custody of another relative until the criminal investigation is concluded, officials said.